Shadow's Claim features Prince Trehan Daciano, a ruthless master assassin who will use every lethal skill he possesses to defend his imperiled kingdom - as well as his newfound princess. When an ancient secret threatens to destroy them all, can Dacia's notorious prince of shadows keep his Bride alive against all odds?

Macrieve: Immortals After Dark, Book 14

Uilleam MacRieve, a centuries-old Lykae warrior, was captured, caged, and experimented on by a shadowy human order, along with other immortals. During a prison break that devolved into one of the bloodiest massacres in recent history, he escapes. But the aftermath of his unspeakable torture preys on his damaged mind, while the wolf inside him roars for vengeance and carnage. In the days leading up to the full moon, can MacRieve rein in his beast, even when he encounters his mate - a vexingly impossible female unlike anything he'd ever dreamed for himself?

Lothaire: Immortals After Dark, Book 12

Driven by his insatiable need for revenge, Lothaire, the Lore’s most ruthless vampire, plots to seize the Horde’s crown. But bloodlust and torture have left him on the brink of madness - until he finds Elizabeth Peirce, the key to his victory. He captures the unique young mortal, intending to offer up her very soul in exchange for power, yet Elizabeth soothes his tormented mind and awakens within him emotions Lothaire believed he could no longer experience.

Dark Skye: Immortals After Dark, Book 15

As a boy, Thronos, prince of Skye Hall, loved Lanthe, a mischievous Sorceri girl who made him question everything about his Vrekener clan. But when the two got caught in the middle of their families’ war, tragedy struck, leaving Thronos and Lanthe bitter enemies. Though centuries have passed, nothing can cool his seething need for the beautiful enchantress who scarred his body - and left an even deeper impression on his soul.

Dreams of a Dark Warrior: Immortals After Dark, Book 11

Murdered before he could wed Regin the Radiant, warlord Aidan the Fierce seeks his beloved through eternity, reborn again and again into new identities, yet with no memory of his past lives. When Regin encounters Declan Chase, a brutal Celtic soldier, she recognizes her proud warlord reincarnated. But Declan takes her captive, intending retribution against all immortals - unaware that he belongs to their world.

Demon from the Dark: Immortals After Dark, Book 10

Malkom Slaine: tormented by his sordid past and racked by vampiric hungers, he’s pushed to the brink by the green-eyed beauty under his guard. Carrow Graie: hiding her own sorrows, she lives only for the next party or prank. Until she meets a tortured warrior worth saving. In order for Malkom and Carrow to survive, he must unleash both the demon and vampire inside him. When Malkom becomes the nightmare his own people feared, will he lose the woman he craves body and soul?

Untouchable: Immortals After Dark, Book 8

In this paranormal story from the Deep Kiss of Winteranthology, #1 New York Times best-selling author Kresley Cole delivers a breathtaking tale about a brutal vampire soldier who experiences love for the first time.

Kiss of a Demon King: Immortals After Dark, Book 7

From New York Times best-selling author Kresley Cole comes this spellbinding story of a demon king trapped by an enchantress for her wanton purposes - and the scorching aftermath that follows when he turns the tables and claims her as his captive.

Dark Desires After Dusk: Immortals After Dark, Book 6

RITA Award-winning author Kresley Cole continues her bestselling Immortals After Dark series with this electrifying tale of a ruthless demon mercenary and the lovely young halfling who enchants him. A seductive beauty he can never have, yet can't resist.... Cadeon Woede will stop at nothing to atone for the one wrong that will haunt him forever. But once he secures the key to his redemption, the halfling Holly Ashwin, Cade finds that the woman he thought he could use for his own ends and then forget haunts him as much as his past.

Dark Needs at Night's Edge: Immortals After Dark, Book 5

Néomi Laress, a famous ballerina from a past century, became a phantom the night she was murdered. Imbued with otherworldly powers but invisible to the living, she haunts her beloved home, scaring away trespassers - until she encounters a ruthless immortal even more terrifying than Néomi herself.

Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night: Immortals After Dark, Book 4

Bowen MacRieve of the Lykae clan was nearly destroyed when he lost the one woman meant for him. The ruthless warrior grew even colder, never taking another to his bed - until a smoldering encounter with his enemy, Mariketa the Awaited, reawakens his darkest desires. When sinister forces unite against her, the Highlander finds himself using all his strength and skill to keep her alive. Temporarily stripped of her powers, Mari is forced to take refuge with her sworn adversary. Soon passion burns between them.

No Rest for the Wicked: Immortals After Dark, Book 3

Centuries ago, Sebastian Wroth was turned into a vampire - a nightmare in his mind - against his will. Burdened with hatred and alone for ages, he sees little reason to live - until an exquisite, fey creature comes to kill him, inadvertently saving him instead. When Kaderin the Cold Hearted lost her two beloved sisters to a vampire attack long ago, a benevolent force deadened her sorrow - accidentally extinguishing all of her emotions. Yet whenever she encounters Sebastian, her feelings emerge multiplied.

The Warlord Wants Forever: Immortals After Dark, Book 1

Nikolai Wroth, once a ruthless human warlord in the 1700s and now a general in the rebel vampire army, needs to find his bride, the one woman who can render him truly alive. As a turned human, he doesn’t enjoy a heartbeat or breathing and is consequently weaker than fully blooded vampires. He wants his bride for the power she will bring him and can hardly believe it when his heart beats for Myst the Coveted, a mad, fey, mythological creature. Myst is known throughout the world as the most beautiful Valkyrie, part chillingly fierce warrior, part beguiling seductress....

A Hunger Like No Other: Immortals After Dark, Book 2

After enduring years of torture from the vampire horde, Lachlain MacRieve, leader of the Lykae Clan, is enraged to find the predestined mate he's waited millennia for is a vampire. Sheltered Emmaline Troy finally sets out to uncover the truth about her deceased parents - until a powerful Lykae claims her as his mate and forces her back to his ancestral Scottish castle. But when an ancient evil from her past resurfaces, will their desire deepen into a love that can bring a proud warrior to his knees and turn a gentle beauty into the fighter she was born to be?

The Professional: Part 2: The Game Maker, Book 1

Mafia enforcer Aleksandr "The Siberian" Sevastyan’s loyalty to his boss is unwavering, until he meets the boss’ long-lost daughter, a curvy, tantalizing redhead who haunts his mind and heats his blood like no other. Ordered to protect her, Sevastyan will do anything to possess her as well - on his own wicked terms. PhD student Natalie Porter had barely recovered from her first sight of the breathtakingly gorgeous Sevastyan before the professional hit man whisks her away to Russia, thrusting her into a world of extreme wealth and wanton pleasures. With every day she spends under his protection, she falls deeper under his masterful spell.

The Professional: Part 3: The Game Maker, Book 1

Mafia enforcer Aleksandr "The Siberian" Sevastyan's loyalty to his boss is unwavering, until he meets the boss’s long-lost daughter, a curvy, tantalizing redhead who haunts his mind and heats his blood like no other. Ordered to protect her, Sevastyan will do anything to possess her as well - on his own wicked terms. PhD student Natalie Porter had barely recovered from her first sight of the breathtakingly gorgeous Sevastyan before the professional hit man whisks her away to Russia, thrusting her into a world of extreme wealth and wanton pleasures.

The Shadows: A Novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood

Two brothers bound by more than blood discover a conspiracy that will change their destiny in the astonishing all-new novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, the "frighteningly addictive" (Publishers Weekly) series by number-one New York Times best-selling author J. R. Ward.

Endless Knight: Arcana Chronicles, Book 2

In this seductive follow-up to Poison Princess, #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole takes us deeper into the dark world of the Arcana Chronicles. With threats lurking around every corner, Evie is forced to trust her newfound alliance. Together they must fight not only other Arcana, but also Bagmen zombies, post-apocalyptic storms, and cannibals

Poison Princess: Arcana Chronicles, Book 1

She could save the world - or destroy it. Sixteen-year-old Evangeline 'Evie' Greene leads a charmed life, until she begins experiencing horrifying hallucinations. When an apocalyptic event decimates her Louisiana hometown, Evie realizes her hallucinations were actually visions of the future - and they're still happening. Fighting for her life and desperate for answers, she must turn to her wrong-side-of-the-bayou classmate: Jack Deveaux. But she can't do either alone.

Dead of Winter: Arcana Chronicles, Book 3

Heartbreaking decisions: Evie was almost seduced by the life of comfort that Death offered her - until Jack was threatened by two of the most horrific Arcana, The Lovers. She will do anything to save him, even escape Death's uncanny prison, full of beautiful objects, material comforts - and stolen glances from a former love.

Dark Instincts: Phoenix Pack

It happens whenever wolf shifter Roni Axton is near Marcus Fuller: a crackle of sexual awareness that's intoxicating...and deeply annoying. Marcus is a pack enforcer who oozes power, but Roni is lethal in her own right - nothing like the flirty females who flock around him. Even still, his possessive gaze makes one thing clear. Marcus has singled her out for seduction, and he wants to make her sit up and beg.

Three Hours: Seven, Book 5

Naya James is a confident woman who also happens to be an exotic dancer. She doesn't care if people judge her, just so long as they don't disrespect her. Life has been good, but when two dancers from her club are kidnapped, Naya risks everything to uncover the truth.

Bound by Flames: Night Prince, Book 3

Leila's years on the carnie circuit were certainly an education. What she didn't learn: how to be a vampire, or how to be married to the most famous vampire of them all. Adjusting to both has Leila teetering on a knife edge between passion and peril, and now the real danger is about to begin...

Leopold's Wicked Embrace: Immortals of New Orleans, Book 5

Seductive and lethal, vampire Léopold Devereoux returns to the Big Easy to find a killer. His search leads him to a beautiful and mysterious woman who awakens desires and emotions that he's long fought to keep buried. After centuries of self-imposed solitude, the billionaire philanthropist struggles to restrain his growing thirst for the intriguing, lovely female who's captured his attention. Will Léopold bond to the woman who has begun to crack the shell around his heart?

Publisher's Summary

Number-one New York Times best seller Kresley Cole introduces The Dacians: Realm of Blood and Mist, a brand-new paranormal romance collection following the royal bloodline of Dacia, a mysterious vampire kingdom within The Lore (Cole's world of mythological creatures in her award-winning Immortals After Dark series).

Shadow's Claim features Prince Trehan Daciano, a ruthless master assassin who will use every lethal skill he possesses to defend his imperiled kingdom - as well as his newfound princess. When an ancient secret threatens to destroy them all, can Dacia's notorious prince of shadows keep his Bride alive against all odds?

Okay, so usually I don't listen to books of this type. I usually listen to horror and science fiction, with a little fantasy and non-fiction. I usually scoff at books of this nature. In fact, it was an accident that I even downloaded this book. What has happened to me? I was taken in from the beginning...and couldn't stop. And I couldn't believe the...um...feelings the book..um...made me feel. I want my husband to listen to it.

And oh yeah, I could probably listen to Robert Petkoff read a dictionary...if he read the way he read this book. :-)

It's not because they are brilliant unpredictable passion filled stories, written by a very talented author, nor because each chapter is packed full of great characters - including hunky vampire types, and not even because KC paints such a visual fantasy world for us to picture and get lost in and finally it's not even because these books are definitely 'adult only' listens....

But put them all together AND THEN finish it off with RP's talented, flawless and gifted narration then you have a paranormal/romance lovers dream listen. This is a 'just one more chapter' type of book - "I'll listen to just one more chapter then get dinner ready..... or start the ironing.... or go to sleep (you get the picture)" all the while knowing that you just can't stop at just one - finally you become a hungry insomniac with nothing to wear

Worth a credit? Well fellow P/R listeners - that would be a big fat YES.... and then some.

This is why Kresley Cole is the queen of PNR! She delivered yet another amazing story that complements the IAD world she so brilliantly created! I absolutely LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book! After reading Lothaire, I couldn't wait to read about the Dacians. The tournament Trehan enters to win Bettina reminded me of the Talisman's Hie from No Rest for the Wicked. It was so full of action and excitement. I also enjoyed the cameos from other IAD characters which just made this book feel like an old friend.

I have been happily married for 17 years, I have 3 children (12, 14, & 16), and 2 dogs. I am currently working on a 2nd degree. Life is chaotic and stressful, but I wouldn't change it. I am blessed and enjoying my life.

Fantastic Narrator and great performance. However, the heroine was so weak she became annoying. She whined throughout the entire book. She could not think for herself and every other character manipulated her. She wrung her hands and continuously cried, "OMG what should I do." I ended up wanting to give her a good shake to say "grow up." It could be that I haven't listened to a romance in a while, but I will say the voices where distinct and the book kept you very involved. I just wished the heroine would have been a little more adult. I have at least 2 more hours to go, hopefully it will get better.

What made the experience of listening to Shadow's Claim the most enjoyable?

The narrator and how fast pace the story is.

What did you like best about this story?

K. C. have written a amazing fantasy world and the story keep you wanting to hear more.

Which scene was your favorite?

Fight scenes.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. I can't really stop listening to it.

Any additional comments?

The heroine was a bit of a let down. She is too self centered and the hero deserves someone more considerate to his needs. There were times when I felt like throwing my cellphone because of her inconsiderate actions towards the hero.

Okay, I'm totally addicted to the Immortals After Dark audio books, and this was no different. Petkoff's performances were so good, his accents wonderful, and the story truly came to life. If he doesn't continue to do the IAD series, I'll cry. He has more to do (and his past performances of the Woede brothers is just... rawr. So of course I'm looking forward to those).

As to KC's story--it was so exciting, fast-paced, and of course, hawt. :) The characters are extremely lovable and the action scenes are so well-described that I kept getting lost in the imagery. Fab-tastic! I was looking forward to this book all year, and I wasn't disappointed!

Where does Shadow's Claim rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Salem

Which character – as performed by Robert Petkoff – was your favorite?

The Prince of Shadows

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Always have extreme reactions to Kresley Cole's characters

Any additional comments?

Great addition to IAD story line. I enjoy the way this story integrates and blends events with the other books in the series. But for those uninitiated into the IAD world, it's still a good read. Keep them coming....

Wow, i just love this series, actually all of Kresley Coles books. This was just the best ever. The Narrator is excellent, does a very good job. It's got a bit of everything in this book and is HOT HOT HOT !! Can't wait for the next book... :)

Yet again a brilliant Kresley Cole bk /audio this bk ticks all the vampire boxs cant wait for the next installment ....

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Janice

Hamilton, United Kingdom

4/8/13

Overall

"Shadows Claim"

I would like to begin by saying Kresley Cole is one of my favourite writers. I only discovered her last year and since doing so I have read everything I could find that she has written. She is a master at creating a scene, which you can easily lose yourself in. She also creates the ultimate alpha male and feisty but feminine heroin. The full cast of characters in the IAD series is nothing short of amazing, they are colourful, witty, charming, sexy and deadly, all at the same time.

It pains me therefore to say that I was disappointed in Shadow’s Claim, the first of her novels about the Dacians. After reading Lothair, which was brilliant, I thought this would be every bit as exciting, unfortunately I felt a little let down. Whilst reading the opening paragraph, where Bettina is being beaten by the Vrekeners, I thought, here we go, another Cole masterpiece but the storey never really lifted off from there, I felt the plot itself was weak. I didn’t feel the usual punchy excitement as the storey was revealed and I didn’t feel the underlying attraction between the lead characters, Trehan and Bettina, which is always present in her books. To be honest, I felt as if this book had been written in a hurry. Sorry Kresley, if it helps, everything else has been brilliant, thrilling, amazing!

I would like to add that Robert Petkoff is the perfect narrator for these books, his range of voices and ability to punctuate a storey using his voice is excellent, well chosen!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

teresa

Brentford, United Kingdom

12/23/12

Overall

"Love or lust"

From the start you are drawn into a world of anger and lust, this turns into a possessive scheme form Storm. They battle to first deny the feelings that's starting to grow from her for him, they have an over whelmimg passion for each other. The story is hot and steaming, not for the faint hearted

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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